Chelsea’s Koke bid goes flat

CHELSEA will have to accept defeat in their long-running pursuit of Atletico Madrid target Koke.

The Standard claim Koke – who was initially a target of former Blues boss Jose Mourinho back in 2014 – has no intention of leaving the Spanish outfit.

They report: The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who will play in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid on Saturday, said: “For a hundred and something years Atletico Madrid has been among the best. How can I leave? Why would I want to lose all of this? To be an Atleti player is the best there is.

“Atleti is special. It is a family. I am happy where I am.”

Barcelona were also keen on the Spanish international at the time of Chelsea’s interest and Atleti responded by rewarding Koke with a new five-year deal in 2014, a contract that includes a £48million release clause.